Belitong is not only known for its beautiful landscapes and rich geological heritage, but also for its strong community spirit. Today, the region is becoming a pilot location for an inspiring initiative: Age-Friendly and Climate-Resilient Communities in Indonesia, with Belitong as the testing ground.
This pilot project is being prepared in collaboration with the Universitas Indonesia, through its Faculty of Administrative Sciences, and BAPPERIDA Belitung, the coordinating body for the Belitong Geopark region.
The program began with a series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving local communities and key stakeholders in Belitung Regency. These discussions created an open space for sharing ideas, local knowledge, and real-life experiences related to climate change and community resilience. A special focus was placed on older community groups, recognizing their important role and unique challenges in facing climate change.
According to the United Nations, older people are among the most vulnerable groups when facing climate change. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental changes can have a stronger impact on their health, mobility, and access to basic services. At the same time, older communities hold valuable local knowledge, life experience, and cultural wisdom that can support adaptation and resilience efforts.
By involving older groups directly, this initiative helps raise awareness, strengthen preparedness, and ensure that no one is left behind in responding to the global climate crisis.
This pilot project aims to spread climate knowledge evenly across all generations in Belitong, ensuring that every group young and old can actively contribute to sustainable development. Through collaboration, dialogue, and education, the initiative supports communities in adapting to climate challenges while strengthening social bonds.